In my previous two MP reports I have discussed the OAS in context with the changes occurring in Canadian demographics to the extent that by 2030, our population of citizens who are over 65 will double. The fact that the amount of citizens over 65 will double from currently 4.7 million today to 9.3 million by 2030 is not, in itself an alarming concern. However what must also be taken into context is the other important changes occurring to Canadian demographics. As I mentioned in last week's report in 1975 there was a ratio of 7 working taxpayers for every citizen over 65. Today that ratio has been reduced down to 4 taxpayers per retired senior. However by 2030 that ratio will be further reduced down 2 working taxpayers per retired senior.   Why does this matter?

Critics have suggested that these pending changes to our population should be ignored and are of no significance. I  respectfully disagree. Over the past weeks I have been further researching this subject and I do believe that there is a legitimate cause for concern. Critics have suggested that the future increase in OAS spending, in spite of consuming a larger share of our national GDP, is "manageable" and is really an issue of spending priorities. While this may sound like a reasonable claim, it is also very important to understand where this money will ultimately come from.   Many citizens may be unaware of this fact however the single largest source of revenue for the Federal Government is from income tax. Nearly 50% of all Federal Revenue, a total of $ 113.5 billion, comes off the top of your pay check. By comparison the GST as a revenue source provides just over 10% of government funding at $ 28.4 billion.

From a revenue perspective the fact that income tax contributes almost half of all federal government funding as the single largest revenue source is significant.   When one considers that the ratio or working taxpayer's to citizens over 65 has gone from 7:1 in 1975 and will further decline to 2:1 by the year 2030 it is clear that not taking action today will create problems in the future. I am not suggesting that there is a crisis, however with income taxes comprising nearly half of all government revenues combined with fewer working taxpayers  in the years ahead ultimately means there will less people trying to pay an increasingly larger bill. On the spending side it must also be noted that OAS is only one of many benefits provided under Canada's vast social safety net. Total current spending on support for the elderly is roughly 13% of the entire federal budget at $36.6 Billion. The child benefit program by comparison is less than half of this amount at $12.7 billion while Health transfers to the provinces are currently $26 billion. It should also be noted that currently Canada is paying $ 30.9 billion a year in debt serving costs.

I have in the past pointed to the challenges that other countries, most notably Greece, are facing from the inability to take proactive actions and maintain public spending within what taxpayers can afford. Even France, one of the most prominent countries in the European Union, faces challenges since its credit rating was recently downgraded, placing more debt pressure on its citizenry. Generally speaking few problems are created overnight and most are decades in the making. Many citizens have rightfully pointed out that Canada is a country rich in resources however it must also be noted that our Government is actively trying to open up alternative markets to those resources and often the very projects that help to achieve these important goals are also opposed. Canada is a country that was build on hard work and if we are to keep Canada strong as a nation we must accept the importance of taking proactive actions to ensure that we have the resources needed to provide the services that Canadians can depend upon but also that Canadian taxpayers can afford. Our Government will continue to work towards these important goals.

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan- Coquihalla and can be contacted at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca

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I was reminded this past week of my relative newness as a Member of Parliament. Although it has been almost eight months since being sworn in to serve, I must confess that I have not developed the kind of ‘thick skin’ or ‘water off a duck’s back’ attitude that I witnessed by some of the more experienced politicians, particularly when faced with a controversial issue. After hearing some recent comments made publicly about the OAS and pensions in general I feel compelled to respond. I would like to again clarify that there has been no discussion whatsoever about reducing the OAS benefits to retired seniors. For the record our government has been firm in the commitment to retired seniors that OAS benefits will not be reduced in any way. Likewise our Government has also made the same commitment for those taxpayers who are near retirement. Our Government has further confirmed that no changes to OAS benefits would occur that did not include a substantial notice of change to younger taxpayers.

To be clear, the changes coming to Canadian demographics are not a political issue, they are a reality. Over the next two decades the amount of Canadians over the age of 65 will double. When OAS was first created in 1952 the age eligibility was 70.  Interestingly enough the average life expectancy at that time was 66 for men and 71 for women. I expect not many Canadians lived long enough to qualify and likely that was part of why the OAS qualifying age was lowered from 70 to 65 in the year 1965. The good news for Canadians is that today the average life expectancy is 79 for men and 83 for women. This is why today OAS represents annual spending of $ 36 billion and based on the aging of our population is expected to rise to $108 billion in the year 2030. Critics have pointed out that as a percentage of the GDP this represents a spending increase from roughly 4.5% of current GDP to roughly 6.2% in 2060 (depending on what forecast you follow).

That may not in itself seem like a significant increase; however there is another important fact that must also be taken into consideration. In 1975 there was a ratio of 7 working taxpayers for every retired senior. Today that ratio is almost cut in half and has been reduced down to 4 taxpayers per retired senior. More importantly by 2030 that ration will be further reduced down 2 taxpayers per retired senior. If OAS were the only program funded under Canada’s vast social safety net then likely it would be easier to ignore this trend as most critics suggest should be done. However I have also heard from retired teachers and retired members of the British Columbia Government Employees Union who have shared some of the challenges that occur if a long term view is not taken in the funding of pension plans.

I would also like to clarify that I am not suggesting there is a crisis; only that as Canadian taxpayers we need to recognize that in the future we will have fewer taxpayers supporting our vast social safety net at a time when Canadians are living longer. Before I sign off on this week’s report I would like to thank the many of you who have taken the time to share your views with me on this important subject. I will continue to take comments and suggestions forward. While I have heard both support and opposition for taking a proactive approach on the OAS, one area where I have heard a consensus is that no OAS reform should occur without similar considerations being applied to the MP pension plan. I have taken your views to Ottawa and for the record I will vote in support of changes to the MP pension plan that are more respectful to the taxpayers of Okanagan-Coquihalla.  

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The topic of pensions has again been on the minds of many citizens and in particular seniors within the riding of Okanagan Coquihalla this past week and has also been actively covered in many Canadian media reports. I would like to clarify to seniors who current receive the OAS benefit that there will be no changes to the benefits you currently receive. Likewise to the citizens who are very close to reaching retirement age I would also like to confirm that no change would occur without substantial notice and an accompanying adjustment period to ensure that sufficient time is provided to adjust and plan appropriately for your retirement.Our government remains committed to the retirement security of Canadians, however we must also be proactive to ensure that we have retirement security that Canadian taxpayers can afford that seniors can depend on.

Going forward over the next two decades we know that the amount of Canadian citizens over the age of 65 will basically double from roughly 4.7 million seniors today to over 9.3 million by 2030. We also know that today seniors are living longer and healthier lives than ever before, a fact that Canadians can all take pride in. However we must also recognize that more seniors collecting OAS benefits with fewer workers to fund those same benefits will create a very serious situation if ignored. In terms of numbers the total annual payout for OAS benefits is expected to rise from the current amount of $36 Billion a year today to $108 Billion by 2030. Today there is a ratio of basically four working taxpayers helping to fund OAS benefits to retired seniors. By 2030 this ratio will be cut in half down to two working taxpayers attempting to fund OAS benefits. This is an unsustainable situation and is the reason why a new balance must be found in order to secure the future of this important program.

Understandably any proposed changes to OAS are a cause for concern to all Canadians, however we cannot ignore the changes to the demographics of our society and run the risk that countries such as Greece are currently encountering with an inability to meet financial obligations. Over the past six years our Government has introduced increases to the GIS, pension income splitting, increase age credit and the tax free saving account (TFSA) As a result of these changes a single senior can now earn $ 19,000 per year ($ 38,000 as a couple) before paying any federal income taxes. We have also lowered the GST rate to ensure there is less tax on your after tax spending. The majority of these initiatives were opposed by the opposition.   I expect further proposed changes will potentially also be opposed.  While there may be disagreement and debate on how best to secure the long term future for retired Canadians, I am hopeful that we can all agree on the need to be proactive today and not reactive in the future when our options may be limited. 

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan- Coquihalla and can be contacted at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca  

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The topic of pensions has again been on the minds of many citizens and in particular seniors within the riding of Okanagan Coquihalla this past week and has also been actively covered in many Canadian media reports. I would like to clarify to seniors who current receive the OAS benefit that there will be no changes to the benefits you currently receive. Likewise to the citizens who are very close to reaching retirement age I would also like to confirm that no change would occur without substantial notice and an accompanying adjustment period to ensure that sufficient time is provided to adjust and plan appropriately for your retirement.Our government remains committed to the retirement security of Canadians, however we must also be proactive to ensure that we have retirement security that Canadian taxpayers can afford that seniors can depend on.

Going forward over the next two decades we know that the amount of Canadian citizens over the age of 65 will basically double from roughly 4.7 million seniors today to over 9.3 million by 2030. We also know that today seniors are living longer and healthier lives than ever before, a fact that Canadians can all take pride in. However we must also recognize that more seniors collecting OAS benefits with fewer workers to fund those same benefits will create a very serious situation if ignored. In terms of numbers the total annual payout for OAS benefits is expected to rise from the current amount of $36 Billion a year today to $108 Billion by 2030. Today there is a ratio of basically four working taxpayers helping to fund OAS benefits to retired seniors. By 2030 this ratio will be cut in half down to two working taxpayers attempting to fund OAS benefits. This is an unsustainable situation and is the reason why a new balance must be found in order to secure the future of this important program.

Understandably any proposed changes to OAS are a cause for concern to all Canadians, however we cannot ignore the changes to the demographics of our society and run the risk that countries such as Greece are currently encountering with an inability to meet financial obligations. Over the past six years our Government has introduced increases to the GIS, pension income splitting, increase age credit and the tax free saving account (TFSA) As a result of these changes a single senior can now earn $ 19,000 per year ($ 38,000 as a couple) before paying any federal income taxes. We have also lowered the GST rate to ensure there is less tax on your after tax spending. The majority of these initiatives were opposed by the opposition.   I expect further proposed changes will potentially also be opposed.  While there may be disagreement and debate on how best to secure the long term future for retired Canadians, I am hopeful that we can all agree on the need to be proactive today and not reactive in the future when our options may be limited. 

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan- Coquihalla and can be contacted at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca  

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Never let it be said that Canadians are not a diverse and energetic population when it comes to expressing personal points of view on a range of different topics.  This is something that I welcome, as it indicates to me that people are engaged in the discussion of how we can build a better country. Recently I covered the topic of a proposal for the Glacier Discovery Walkway project in Jasper National Park.   The intent of my report was not to ask citizens to support or oppose that project but rather to clarify what was being proposed in response to inquiries from constituents. In the days that followed, I heard from citizens who are very strongly in favour of the project and from those who believe there should be no public amenities whatsoever in national parks.

Recently another topic that I am hearing a diverse range of opinions about pertains to the subject of pensions. Currently there are concerns being expressed to me by many public sector employees regarding the future of their pension plans. At the same time I am also hearing from taxpayers with concerns about the costs of public sector pension plans, as well as the costs of pension plans for Members of Parliament. There has been much speculation recently in the media that there may be pending changes to pensions within the public sector. Currently our Government is looking at all forms of public sector spending in order to find efficiencies and savings without raising your taxes. At this point, all options are being considered. I will state for the record that should changes be proposed to the MP pension plan that is more respectful of the taxpayer I will fully support such initiatives. I will note that individuals in the public service pay into and earn them; however contributions and benefits must be fair to the taxpayers who help fund them.

My office also receives on a regular basis questions from many citizens about the different programs that the Federal Government administers, like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).  For your information, here are a few points about these programs:

 The CPP is generally funded equally by you and your employer during your working years. CPP can provide benefits for loss of income created by disability or retirement. The benefits are ultimately calculated by how much you have contributed and over what length of time. Currently the maximum CPP retirement pension amount is just under $ 1000 monthly at age 65. You can start collecting CPP as early as 60 or as late as 70 however different rates would apply. In contrast OAS provides a modest pension to most Canadians at age 65, if you have lived in Canada for at least 10 years.  For the record, federal Liberal bill 428 that proposed lowering the 10 year residency requirement was not passed by Parliament. The maximum OAS payment is just under $ 550 monthly for those individuals with 40 years or more of residency after their eighteenth birthday. Seniors with earnings in excess of roughly $ 70,000 per year will gradually receive a lesser OAS benefit that ultimately is eliminated for an income in excess of $ 112,000 a year.

The GIS is specifically for lower income seniors 65 and older with an income of roughly $ 16,000 annually or less. If you have questions for any of the above programs you can contact Service Canada toll free at 1-800-622-6232 for further information.

While these three programs are generally well known, they certainly aren’t the only ones that the Federal Government administers as part of a broader social safety net. In fact, 60% of the money that is spent at the Federal level is in transfers which go direct to individuals or the provinces for their use. With increasing demographic pressures coupled with the backdrop of a fragile economic recovery, the one thing we can count on is a robust discussion of our options, as we look to do our part in the building of a better Canada.

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Our Government’s economic action plan has been largely credited with helping to create an economic and investment environment that has created close to 600,000 new jobs during one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression. In the context of jobs and job creation we often hear that one of the obstacles for employers is bureaucratic red tape. To date I am realizing firsthand that there is some legitimacy to these claims. Many people would be shocked with how large an impact that Government can have on the bottom line of a thriving business, by the change of a single directive.  As elected officials we must always keep in mind that our decisions will often impact the lives of our fellow Canadians. I was reminded of this most recently, as I had an opportunity to recently visit a Service Canada location where approximately 75% of the inquiries are about Employment Insurance. The value and importance of having a job cannot be overstated and as taxpayers we must also be mindful of the challenges that increased unemployment presents to Canadian families.

Recently I have encountered two situations that I believe are thought provoking and worthy of discussion. Investment is a term that many Canadians understand, however when this term is expanded to include foreign investment, often some view non- Canadian investors from a more negative perspective. Although it is not widely reported, many Canadian industries are regulated from an ownership and investment perspective. One particular sector, as an example, limits by percentage the share of foreign ownership in a Canadian company. One challenge that can emerge is when a company in such a sector requires additional investment to survive and only non- Canadian investors respond.   If this investment is denied as a result of where capital originates, then potentially hundreds of extremely well paying jobs in a moderately sized community could be lost permanently. Clearly this is a challenging situation and often it is not a hypothetical one but a reality.

In another example a project proposed for a region could have significant positive economic impacts for generations including the creation of hundreds of jobs and also increasing the local tax base.   In this example the project in question may primarily require suitable access. However as it not uncommon, sometimes citizens in an area will reject road related projects if they result in increases of traffic and noise. In addition costly and time consuming traffic and engineering studies are also a requirement that even if properly addressed may still not overcome objections from local citizens. As many will be aware, these types of projects and proposals are not uncommon in many different regions.

While there is a debate about the role of government in direct job creation, there is certainly no debate that government has a strong role to play. The examples above demonstrate how the decisions of elected officials at all levels of government can have a significant impact on job creation within a specific region. I have noted in my brief time both as a city councillor and now as an MP that opposing something is often far easier than standing up in support. However after my visit to the Service Canada location I believe we must all take a moment to think of those currently unemployed and in search of a job and ask what we can do in support of job creation. For the record in both of the examples above I will continue to support jobs and our local economies.  

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I will never know what public office would have been like prior to the Internet, however I am quickly learning that online information is something that needs to be scrutinized very carefully. Over this past weekend I was made aware of claims that the Jasper National park was soon to be privatized and had been sold to an International company.  Further this international company planned on charging all park users an entrance fee in order to help finance large scale private development within the park.   Fairly serious claims and fortunately none of them are true. This type of misinformation seems to be occurring on a more frequent basis within certain segments of the online internet community.

I would like to thank those citizens who were sceptical of such claims and forwarded this misinformation to me for further clarification that I am more than happy to provide. What is really occurring is that Parks Canada, back in 2010, initiated a public consultation process to identify a vision for the Icefields Parkway. The goal is to increase learning opportunities and enhance the abilities for park visitors to enjoy the environment and gain insights into the regions ecological and cultural heritage. Brewster, a company who has for many years operated the unique “ice explorer” buses in the area, has proposed to add a new feature to the well known Ice field glacier adventure. The new feature being discussed is a glacial discovery walk, complete with a handicapped accessible 400 meter interpretive boardwalk featuring a glass-floored observation platform extended 30 meters over the Sunwapta Valley below.

Cleary some individuals will not be supportive of this type of a feature within the Jasper National park not unlike those who opposed the introduction of motorized ice explores  when they were first introduced over thirty years ago. However since that time over 10 million visitors have utilized the increased access to better understand and enjoy the unique learning opportunities of the ice fields.    Many local citizens and tourists the world over have also at one time or another travelled in an ice explorer and can recall many fond memories of that unique experience. Regardless of supporting or opposing increased public amenities in public parks any suggestion that Jasper National Park is being sold or that mass scale development is occurring is patently false. It should also be noted that park user fees remain at the sole responsibility of Parks Canada. In reality when and where private services are offered in public parks those revenues are typically used to offset park operating costs ensuring that actual park users pay an additional share over and above average Canadian taxpayers.

It was not my intention this week to cover the Jasper National Park in my weekly MP report as there are more localized concerns I had intended to discuss. However with such a strong level of misinformation on the topic and many local citizens asking for clarification I felt it was important to relay to the citizens of Okanagan Coquihalla that Parks Canada is not selling parks as some have wrongly suggested.   As the House of Commons will not sit again until the end of the month on January 30th I would be interested in hearing from you. If you have time for a meeting or even a phone to relay your concerns I encourage you to contact me to schedule an appointment.   I can be reached at 250-770-4480 or toll free at 1-800-665-8711
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The Attawapiskat First Nation may be thousands of miles away from our region of Okanagan-Coquihalla, however living conditions in that community are a concern that many local citizens have directly raised with me. It is an issue that many citizens have expressed some strong views about and I have also had many requests to include this topic in my weekly MP report.This is undeniably a very important topic and one that I know many Canadians take very seriously. No Canadian takes pleasure in witnessing poor living conditions and rampant poverty within our great nation and likewise Canadian taxpayers desire accountability and to know that our tax dollars are being well spent. It is clear that in Attawapiskat we are failing to get the results that Canadians taxpayers expect from Government. In terms of your tax dollars, over $90 million, the equivalent of $ 54,000 for each man, women and child living within the Attawapiskat first nation has been transferred to the band leadership. I have taken the time to read the financial statements from the Attawapiskat First Nation. While there is undeniably a shortage of acceptable housing in the community, there is no shortage of governance. A former chief, an acting chief and a deputy chief lead a band council that had a total of 19 councillors receiving some form of payment during the last fiscal year. On the school and education board there were a further 12 board member positions receiving payment. Collectively these expenses are part of a $3.2 million administration budget for an on reserve population of roughly 2000 residents. We must also be mindful of the fact that this situation has developed while the Attawapiskat First Nation has been under co-management for the past decade with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

While it is important to identify challenges, we must also expand our focus beyond the failures and recognize the need to find workable solutions beyond the status quo. It is clear that there are no easy answers to this challenge. Yet we do have many successes stories within our First Nations communities and perhaps it is time we also focus more on what is working, as opposed to solely what is not. We are fortunate in the riding of Okanagan-Coquihalla that many of our First Nations have had greater success in creating jobs and prosperity. That is not to say that there are not still challenges remaining, but collectively leaders such as Chief Clarence Louie from the Osoyoos Indian Band and Chief Robert Louie from the Westbank First Nation have been extremely successful in creating jobs and increasing outside revenue for their respective bands. I am also pleased to report that a recent meeting with Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger has me very impressed with the exciting vision that Chief Kruger has for the PIB.

As Members of Parliament we also need to be part of the solution. The Penticton Indian Band has some very exciting projects that will create jobs and much needed revenue for the band. However as was pointed out by Chief Kruger, an abundance of land is of little benefit without infrastructure and services. Rather than focus resources after the fact, it is time to be more proactive and seek opportunities that are shovel ready. It is also important to recognize that one size fits all solutions as Ottawa is often accustomed to delivering need to be more flexible. In the months ahead I am looking forward to working with the PIB and Chief Kruger in an effort to create some positive economic opportunities on the band lands west of Penticton.

It should also be noted that in the Merritt area there is a new silver mine soon to get underway and that mine is anticipating roughly thirty percent of the workforce to be from local nearby First Nation communities. In total the mine will inject between $ 12 - $ 15 million annually into the local Merritt economy. As this is the final week the House of Commons is in session for the year I will have an opportunity to visit Merritt early next week. If you would like to schedule an appointment please do not hesitate to contact my office toll free at 1-800-665-8711

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In my relatively brief time as a Member of Parliament I have observed that when there is a lack of information that void is filled very quickly with misinformation. Case in point is Bill C-10, otherwise known as the omnibus crime bill. Some would have you believe that the intent of this bill is solely about incarcerating anyone and everyone convicted of committing a crime, regardless of the severity, and essentially throwing away the key.  I believe it is important to talk about the types of serious crime that are actually being targeted in Bill C-10.

Child Pornography. If you choose to manufacture or distribute pornographic material involving children you can expect a minimum six month jail sentence instead of the current 90 day maximum. Engage in sexual assault against a child and you will go to jail and no longer be eligible for house arrest. "Date Rape" drugs will now be recognized for the real danger they can present to innocent victims. These types of crimes are not restricted to larger urban areas, families and innocent victims have been subject to these types of serious crimes here in our riding of Okanagan-Coquihalla. I have met with victims and attended events that focus on victimization and the cruel impacts of sexual assault. Those who have had suffered these types of traumas are understandably looking for changes and greater protection to the public from sexual predators.

Bill C-10 also addresses other subjects that many citizens have requested action on. For example Bill C-10 will ensure that those who commit manslaughter or aggravated assault will no longer be able to return to the community under house arrest. I can pass on from a recent experience in one Okanagan residential neighborhood that when a killing has occurred and the alleged assailant is allowed to return to the community in question this situation creates fear and anxiety for all involved.  

Everyday law abiding citizens should not be afraid for their own safety or the safety of a loved one nor fear being able to go for a walk or visit friends and neighbors.

Two of the most common areas of misunderstanding about Bill C-10 pertain to increased enforcement penalties for drug offences, including marijuana, and a belief by some that that there are no rehabilitation aspects to Bill C-10. With respect to increased penalties for drug trafficking, it should be noted that these increased penalties only apply under specific circumstances. Drug tracking that involves organized crime, threats of violence and the use of a weapon all fall into this category. Likewise trafficking drugs in or near a school or other area where children are present will also bring about increased penalties. As for rehabilitation, Bill C-10 allows a court to suspend a sentence while an offender undergoes a court approved drug treatment program as permitted under provincial jurisdiction. These programs encourage offenders to deal with the addiction that often motivates criminal behaviour. If the offender successfully completes the treatment program, the court may impose a suspended or reduced sentence.

I recognize that there are some who believe that criminals and sexual predators are better off in our communities and not in jail where they cannot reoffend. Some citizens believe that criminal's rights should come before those of victims. In a free and democratic country as great as Canada it is expected that citizens will have different views on many important subjects. To be clear Bill C-10 ensures that the rights of victims will be put ahead of the rights of criminals when dealing with serious crimes. This is a commitment and priority that my Government takes seriously and one that many citizens have requested action on.

   Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan- Coquihalla and can be contacted at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca  

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Concerns over retirement and pensions are ones that I hear often from groups and citizens in our region. This past week in the House of Commons our Government introduced new legislation with respect to Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPP's).   While Canada's current retirement income system has been recognized around the world as a model that succeeds in helping to reduce poverty among Canadian seniors, there are still challenges that remain. In recent years, Government has introduced a range of new and expanded measures to continue to provide supports for retiring workers and seniors.

 Recently, our latest budget also announced a new Guaranteed Income Supplement top-up benefit for Canada's most vulnerable seniors. More than 680,000 low income seniors are eligible for additional annual benefits of up to $600 for single seniors and $840 for couples. In addition, our recent budgets have provided about $2.3 billion in additional annual targeted tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting, increases in the age credit amount, and a doubling of the maximum amount of income eligible for the pension income credit.  

While progress has been made, we must also recognize that roughly 60% of Canadians do not have a workplace pension plan. Obviously these are not public sector workers but rather workers in the private sector. One of the major barriers in providing pension plans is the significant legal and administration costs that are very prohibitive for small business employers.This is where the new Pooled Registered Pension Plan (PRPPs) can be of assistance. PRPP's will allow many small business owners and their employees to have access to a large-scale, low-cost private pension plan. Professional administrators will ensure that funds are invested in the best interests of plan members and by pooling pension savings, PRPP's will create greater purchasing power.This can achieve lower prices than would otherwise be available and this can result in greater returns and ultimately more money for workers when they retire. The design of these plans will also be straightforward to allow for simple enrollment and management and looks to be largely harmonized from province to province to help lower administrative costs and simplify the process.

While PRPP's can potentially be of benefit to many workers in the small business sector, it is important to recognize that this new plan is one of many tools designed to help assist Canadians workers and their families. In our most recent budget, (Bill C-13), our Government has proposed the family caregiver tax credit, the children's arts tax credit, a tax credit for small businesses when they create jobs and making the gas tax fund permanent. While these are all programs that I have heard strong support for by citizens here in the riding of Okanagan-Coquihalla, at the same time the passage of Bill C-13 has been delayed during prolonged debate in Parliament. Recently Government introduced time limits on specific debates such as Bill C-13 in order to see the budget passed and taxpayer's receiving some much needed tax relief in specific areas.To date there have been 100 different speeches in the debate on Bill C-13, each with a section for question and answers or comments, including my own. While some may disagree, I believe that Budget 2011 should be passed and implemented in 2011. It is also important to recognize that once a bill like C-13 is passed in the House of Commons it proceeds to the Senate for yet another level of debate and potential passage before receiving Royal assent. 

It is my observation that there is plenty of opportunity for discussion, debate and disagreement in Ottawa. While we may continue to struggle with passing a budget bill within the same year it is intended, let it never be said that the people's house lacks passion for a better Canada.

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan- Coquihalla and can be contacted at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca

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